Testing services firm Intertek said pre-tax profits fell 10.5 per cent to £252.2 million in the year to December amid challenging conditions at its oil and gas unit and a stronger pound.

The firm, which employs over 38,000 staff in 100 countries, upped its dividend by 6.7 per cent and said it expects revenues to grow in the current financial year.

Scottish Enterprise boss Lena Wilson is a non-executive director at Intertek.